# Really cool motorcycle helmet **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [May 26, 2014, 4:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/really-cool-motorcycle-helmet/689288 "2014-05-26T16:27:25Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![HotDogWater](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/35a633/32.png) [@HotDogWater](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HotDogWater)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2014, 4:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/really-cool-motorcycle-helmet/689288/1 "2014-05-26T16:27:25Z")
Sometimes when I am commuting to or from work on my motorcycle, I start designing a better helmet in my head. It starts off with: A speaker system so I no longer have to use earbuds. Then I start blue-skying: A shield that auto darkens/lightens the current light conditions. Temperature and humidity control, so the vented air is just right, and the shield would never fog up Voice activation phone and things like my car does. A little windshield wiper so I can see in the rain better. What would you add to this really cool motorcycle helmet? ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2014, 4:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/really-cool-motorcycle-helmet/689288/2 "2014-05-26T16:33:38Z")
> [@HotDogWater](#): > > A speaker system so I no longer have to use earbuds. Check the laws in your state. For example, wearing two earbuds or having two speakers (or wearing non-prescription ear plugs for a while) was illegal when I lived in California. > [@HotDogWater](#): > > A shield that auto darkens/lightens the current light conditions. Or just use a clear shield and auto-darkening sunglasses. > [@HotDogWater](#): > > Temperature and humidity control, so the vented air is just right, and the shield would never fog up I crack the shield a little to keep it from fogging. > [@HotDogWater](#): > > Voice activation phone and things like my car does. Again, check your state laws. > [@HotDogWater](#): > > A little windshield wiper so I can see in the rain better. I’ve wished for this many times. When I wore a Shoei, all I had to do to clear rain was turn my head. For whatever reason, it doesn’t work on my Arai. ---
**Author:** ![Gatopescado](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gatopescado/32/5711_2.png) [@Gatopescado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gatopescado)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2014, 4:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/really-cool-motorcycle-helmet/689288/3 "2014-05-26T16:36:48Z")
I sure wouldn’t put a phone or any other voice activated thing. Pay attention and ride! ---
**Author:** ![HotDogWater](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/35a633/32.png) [@HotDogWater](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HotDogWater)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2014, 4:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/really-cool-motorcycle-helmet/689288/4 "2014-05-26T16:37:29Z")
I’ve seen gloves with little squegees on the thumb to wipe the shield. Seems like alot of wiping your hand back and forth across your face. ---
**Author:** ![HotDogWater](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/35a633/32.png) [@HotDogWater](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HotDogWater)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2014, 4:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/really-cool-motorcycle-helmet/689288/5 "2014-05-26T16:38:47Z")
Agreed, **Gatopescado** ’ as I hate it when I see the cagers on the phone. But we’re just dreaming here, at the moment 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2014, 4:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/really-cool-motorcycle-helmet/689288/6 "2014-05-26T16:46:22Z")
It’s been about 16 years since my motorcycle days but even then there were: Heated faceshields. Cooling systems. On bike sound systems that plug into a matching helmet+intercom. A wiper would be difficult due to the curvature of the shield plus the requirement for not only power but a place for the mechanism. There used to be a water repellant wax I used that had a similar effect as Rain-X. I don’t remember the name but it came as a block. Faceshields get scratched. Replacing the shield and phototint would be very expensive. I used to go through 3-4 shields a year. ---
**Author:** ![Joey\_P](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/919ad9/32.png) [@Joey\_P](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joey_P)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2014, 5:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/really-cool-motorcycle-helmet/689288/7 "2014-05-26T17:11:45Z")
My helmet has an integrated darkened shield that slides down, kinda like you see fighter pilots with in movies. [Similar to this](http://www.webbikeworld.com/r2/motorcycle-helmet/airoh-tr1/airoh-tr1-helmet-sun-visor.jpg). It’s not auto, you have to take a hand of the handlebars, but the lever is on top of the helmet so it’s not a whole lot of messing around. Also, I’m pretty sure there are helmets that’ll connect to your phone. Both of my helmets have vents in the top to let the breeze in, but IME they don’t move much air and just make it really loud in there. To be honest, half the reason I wear a helmet is to keep the noise level down and my ears warm (I don’t have a windshield on my bike). ---
**Author:** ![Slithy\_Tove](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/slithy_tove/32/18248_2.png) [@Slithy\_Tove](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slithy_Tove)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2014, 5:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/really-cool-motorcycle-helmet/689288/8 "2014-05-26T17:53:09Z")
Instead of windshield wipers I’d have two large discs in the shield that spun super-fast, like the ones on ship’s bridges. ---
**Author:** ![Little\_Nemo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/little_nemo/32/3120_2.png) [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2014, 6:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/really-cool-motorcycle-helmet/689288/9 "2014-05-26T18:00:29Z")
An LED flashlight on the forehead. Handy for reading manuals or checking the engine at night. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2014, 6:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/really-cool-motorcycle-helmet/689288/10 "2014-05-26T18:18:03Z")
> [@Little\_Nemo](#): > > An LED flashlight on the forehead. Handy for reading manuals or checking the engine at night. Here’s a [police model](http://www.webbikeworld.com/r2/motorcycle-helmet/police-helmet/police-motorcycle-helmet.htm) that has that. [Different company](http://ultimatemotorcycling.com/akuma-stealth-helmet-long-term-review/) for non-police. ---
**Author:** ![ducati](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/cc9497/32.png) [@ducati](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ducati)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2014, 7:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/really-cool-motorcycle-helmet/689288/11 "2014-05-26T19:36:15Z")
A lot of helmets have integrated speakers that connect to an intercom, radio, cellphone, and more. I know guys that have their ham radio hooked up, so they can ragchew while they ride. I have my radio and phone and FRS radio hooked into mine. I’ll listen to music while I ride, but softly. I \*\*\*do \*\*\*hate getting run over. I put Rain-X on my shield, but I try never to ride if it’s going to rain. That’s just the kind of wuss I am! Do yourself a favor. Get an [Aerostitch](http://www.aerostich.com/)catalog. They have everything, and they’re funny as hell. A good bathroom reader choice! ---
**Author:** ![Son\_of\_a\_Rich](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/son_of_a_rich/32/5439_2.png) [@Son\_of\_a\_Rich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Son_of_a_Rich)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2014, 7:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/really-cool-motorcycle-helmet/689288/12 "2014-05-26T19:38:30Z")
Active electronic wind noise reduction. And also heat and defrost. ---
**Author:** ![Son\_of\_a\_Rich](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/son_of_a_rich/32/5439_2.png) [@Son\_of\_a\_Rich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Son_of_a_Rich)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2014, 7:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/really-cool-motorcycle-helmet/689288/13 "2014-05-26T19:42:47Z")
> [@ducati](#): > > Do yourself a favor. Get an [Aerostitch](http://www.aerostich.com/)catalog. They have everything, and they’re funny as hell. A good bathroom reader choice! OT, I’m still a little pissed at Aerostitch. In my powered paragliding days I used a 2 piece Areostitch as a flight suit. I sent them some pix, and they wrote back how much they liked them, but never used them on a catalog cover. Unicycle riders, sure- ppg no :mad: ---
**Author:** ![phouka](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c5a1d2/32.png) [@phouka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/phouka)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2014, 9:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/really-cool-motorcycle-helmet/689288/14 "2014-05-26T21:18:14Z")
> [@Slithy\_Tove](#): > > Instead of windshield wipers I’d have two large discs in the shield that spun super-fast, like the ones on ship’s bridges. Huh? ---
**Author:** ![HotDogWater](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/35a633/32.png) [@HotDogWater](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HotDogWater)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2014, 9:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/really-cool-motorcycle-helmet/689288/15 "2014-05-26T21:57:03Z")
Thank you **phouka** , I did not understand that one either. I like the helmet light idea, and do enjoy the Areostitch catalog. How about a heads-up display on the visor? ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2014, 10:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/really-cool-motorcycle-helmet/689288/16 "2014-05-26T22:10:25Z")
> [@HotDogWater](#): > > Thank you **phouka** , I did not understand that one either. > > I like the helmet light idea, and do enjoy the Areostitch catalog. > > How about a heads-up display on the visor? [In the works.](https://livemap.info/) ---
**Author:** ![ducati](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/cc9497/32.png) [@ducati](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ducati)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2014, 10:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/really-cool-motorcycle-helmet/689288/17 "2014-05-26T22:17:01Z")
> [@Slithy\_Tove](#): > > Instead of windshield wipers I’d have two large discs in the shield that spun super-fast, like the ones on ship’s bridges. > [@phouka](#): > > Huh? [A Clear View Screen.](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clear_view_screen) [The spinning disc](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/83/Rotating_windshield_wiper.jpg) throws water off with centrifugal force, so’s you can see in the rain! ---
**Author:** ![Gatopescado](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gatopescado/32/5711_2.png) [@Gatopescado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gatopescado)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2014, 10:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/really-cool-motorcycle-helmet/689288/18 "2014-05-26T22:30:02Z")
> [@HotDogWater](#): > > But we’re just dreaming here, at the moment 🙂 Okay! I’d like an Arai that is as quiet as a Shoei. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Slithy\_Tove](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/slithy_tove/32/18248_2.png) [@Slithy\_Tove](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slithy_Tove)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2014, 11:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/really-cool-motorcycle-helmet/689288/19 "2014-05-26T23:07:16Z")
> [@ducati](#): > > [A Clear View Screen.](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clear_view_screen) > > [The spinning disc](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/83/Rotating_windshield_wiper.jpg) throws water off with centrifugal force, so’s you can see in the rain! But of course I’d put the motor on the rim, not in the center. ---
**Author:** ![HotDogWater](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/35a633/32.png) [@HotDogWater](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HotDogWater)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2014, 11:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/really-cool-motorcycle-helmet/689288/20 "2014-05-26T23:54:21Z")
Oh boy those clear view screens are cool, and the heads up display is on the list. we are making a pretty cool helmet now. I just got home from my 50 minute, back road route commute, and i was very aware of the wind noise. is there such a thing as “active electronic wind noise reduction” **son of a rich**? [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/really-cool-motorcycle-helmet/689288.md?page=2)